How to Get a Marriage License for Your Lake Tahoe Elopement

Tahoe Elope
Aug 13
2 min read

Updated: Aug 20

Planning your elopement at Lake Tahoe means one important legal step before you exchange vows: securing your marriage license. Because Lake Tahoe sits on the California–Nevada border, the process depends on which state your ceremony will take place in.

Step 1: Decide Which State Your Elopement Is In

The rules, fees, and validity periods are different for California and Nevada. Important: You do not have to get your license in Tahoe itself — you just need to get it anywhere in the same state as your ceremony.

If you’re eloping on the California side, you can get your license at your hometown county clerk’s office and bring it with you, as long as the license and ceremony location are both in California.
If you’re eloping on the Nevada side, you can get your license at any Nevada county clerk’s office and bring it with you, as long as both the license and ceremony are in Nevada.

California Side – El Dorado County (South Lake Tahoe)

Where to Apply (if you choose Tahoe)

South Lake Tahoe Office 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 108, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Placerville Office: 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA

Appointments: Required - walk-ins may have long waits.

Typical Hours: 8–11:30 a.m. and 1–4 p.m. (varies by office).

Fees & License Types

Public License – about $80, valid for 90 days, requires at least one witness.
Confidential License – about $85, no witness needed, but only the couple can obtain certified copies later.

Requirements

Both partners must appear in person with valid photo ID.
If divorced in the last 90 days, bring your final divorce decree.
No blood test or waiting period.

After Your Elopement Your officiant returns the signed license to the county where it was issued. You can then request certified copies for your records.

Nevada Side – Douglas County or Washoe County

Where to Apply (if you choose Tahoe)

Douglas County – Stateline Office 175 Highway 50, 2nd Floor, Stateline, NV
Washoe County (Reno or Incline Village for North Lake Tahoe elopements)

Fees & Validity

Around $60–85 depending on county.
Valid for one year anywhere in Nevada.

Requirements

Both partners must appear in person with valid photo ID.
At least one witness required at the ceremony.
No residency requirement, no blood test, and no waiting period.

After Your Elopement

Your officiant files the signed license with the county where it was issued. Certified copies can be ordered online or by mail.

Quick Comparison

State	Fee	Validity	Witness Requirement	Appointment Needed?
California	$80–85	90 days	Public license: 1	Yes
Nevada	$60–85	1 year	1	No (usually)

Tips for a Smooth Process

Apply in the same state where your elopement will take place — licenses are only valid in their issuing state.
You can get your license at home before traveling to Tahoe, as long as your ceremony will be in the same state as your license.
Schedule your license appointment (California) a few weeks in advance if you’re applying in person.
Bring all required documents, especially if you’ve recently divorced (CA).
Take advantage of the no-waiting-period rule and enjoy your elopement right away!
Make sure your officiant is authorized to perform weddings in your ceremony state.